Jim Anderson receives District 214 Distinguished Service Award

For the past eleven years, Jim Anderson has dedicated his time to driving a bus filled with Vanguard students. When asked if he liked working for Vanguard he said, “Yes, very much so. If I had to drive for another school I would retire. Vanguard has great staff and students.”

To many students Jim is someone to confide in. Many believe he is more then just their bus driver; he is a friend. Vanguard student Art Tarnowski said, “You can talk to Jim about anything whether it be school, cars, motorcycles, just life.”

To add on Vanguard student Evey Dudek said, “Jim is fabulous. You can talk to him about anything. Plus, he’s hilarious.”

Jim is very loyal and reliable when it comes to his job. Patrick Kain, Vanguard counselor, stated, “What I really like about Jim is he’s really flexible in the fact that Vanguard changes its program very often and he never complains about it.”

“ Jim is the kind of guy that is very much down to earth,” said Vanguard student Nikki Harper. In his spare time he takes interest in antique motorcycles, listening to Rod Stewart's record Storyteller, and eating a plate of Italian style pasta.

Vanguard students and staff appreciate all that Jim does and for his unfaltering personality. We are proud that District 214 is recognizing him for all his hard work. On behalf of Vanguard: We love you Jim and we can’t be more proud.

article by Jaclyn Cimarusti

Back to your Roots!

Vanguard Student Marisa Sneider performs her heart out at the House of Blues.
Vanguard students Branden Martinez and Kevin Bazarek performing at House of Blues in Chicago.

The Blues is one of the most profound subjects to talk, sing, and dance about. It’s known not only as a musical genre, but as a way to connect, a way to feel, and a way of life for many people around the world.

This year brings with it Vanguard’s first official mini tour in all of 11 years.

Mrs. Cuevas said, “It was an exceptional experience. It was a great opportunity to work with students on the same personal level. We’ve never had it before, but music learning is awesome. It’s one of the best times we’ve had.”

Students had a chance to participate in a great range of activities during this short 20-day period.

KC Iatropoulos said, “It was something different, something we haven’t done before.”

Students learned quite a bit about the Blues history, and how the Blues lends itself heavily to African American culture. There was lots of painting, coloring, food, smiles, and a lot of overall expression.

At the end of the tour, students rocked out in a Blues-filled show at the House of Blues. “It was a once in a lifetime experience,” Branden Martinez said. “I’m a musician, and what happened at the House of Blues is every musician’s dream.”

Article by Kevin Bazarek

House of Blues photo courtesy of photobucket.com